It is a question we are often asked by curious parents during initial consultations: “You are based in the UK, teaching students in the British school system—so why call yourselves Singapore Maths Academy?”
It is a great question, and the answer lies at the very heart of our philosophy, our history, and our commitment to your child’s education. Our name isn’t just a label; it is a statement of intent.
It signifies that we have chosen to adopt the single most effective method of teaching mathematics the world has ever seen and bring it to students in the UK. Here is the story behind our name, our authentic expertise, and why the Singapore approach is the key to unlocking your child’s potential from Primary school right through to GCSEs.
Three Decades of Global Dominance: The Evidence
For the past 30 years, Singapore has consistently dominated international benchmarks in mathematics. They haven’t just been slightly ahead; they have often been entire school years ahead of their Western counterparts.
The most recent evidence comes from the TIMSS 2023 (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) results. The data clearly shows the substantial lead Singapore maintains over both the International Average and strong performers like England.
Average Mathematics Achievement (TIMSS 2023)
The chart below visualises the significant gap in average scores at both Grade 4 (Year 5) and Grade 8 (Year 9).
The Depth of Mastery: Looking at Advanced Learners
While average scores are important, the true power of the Singapore method is revealed when we look at the depth of mastery. The Singapore method does not just aim for competency; it aims for advanced understanding.
As shown in the chart below, nearly half of all Grade 4 students in Singapore reach the “Advanced Learner” benchmark, double the percentage in England. Furthermore, an incredible 93% of Singaporean students reach the Intermediate benchmark, proving the method works for all learners, not just the most able.
TIMSS 2023 Data Summary Table
For a clearer view of the numbers supporting the Singaporean pedagogical lead, see the table below:
| Metric | Singapore | England | International Average |
| Grade 4 Average Score | 615 | 552 | 503 |
| Grade 8 Average Score | 605 | 525 | 478 |
| G4 Advanced Learners (%) | 44% | 22% | 7% |
| G4 High Learners (%) | 78% | 53% | 35% |
| G4 Intermediate Learners (%) | 93% | 80% | 70% |
Data Source: TIMSS 2023 International Results in Mathematics.
We call ourselves Singapore Maths Academy because we believe UK students deserve access to the pedagogy that produces these world-leading results.
Authentic Expertise: Our Founder’s Journey
Our connection to the Singapore method is not superficial; it is rooted in deep, authentic expertise.
Our founder, Mohi Uddin Ahmed, recognised early on that standard approaches in many UK classrooms were leaving too many children behind—or failing to stretch the most able. To provide the best, he knew he had to learn from the best.
Mohi sought out and was intensively trained by leading global experts in Singapore Mathematics, including the renowned Dr. Yeap Ban Har—often regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on the approach. This direct lineage of training means the strategies we use are authentic applications of the philosophies that have propelled Singapore to the top of the global rankings.
We Are Trainers of Teachers
Our expertise is recognised far beyond our own classrooms. Singapore Maths Academy is not just a tuition centre; we are a hub of pedagogical training in the UK.
Driven by Mohi’s expertise, we have spent years working directly with the UK education sector. We have trained hundreds of schools across the country, upskilling over 10,000 teachers in Singapore Maths approaches. This experience gives us a unique advantage: we know the common pitfalls in the national curriculum, and we know exactly how to apply the Singapore method to bridge those gaps for our students.
Our Teachers: The Best of Both Worlds
We believe that a method is only as good as the teacher delivering it. Our team represents a unique blend of global experience. Some of our teachers were educated within the Singapore school system itself, giving them a lived experience of the methodology’s success. Others are highly qualified UK-trained teachers.
Crucially, regardless of their background, every single teacher at the Academy undergoes rigorous, additional training in our specific approach, led by Mohi.
From Primary Foundations to GCSE Success
The beauty of Singapore Maths is that it is not a “quick fix”; it is a complete, coherent journey.
Why it’s ideal for the 11+
The 11+ examination is infamous for presenting students with unfamiliar, multistep word problems designed to test raw intelligence rather than rote knowledge. The Singapore method, with its heavy emphasis on heuristics and visual problem-solving (such as the famous Bar Model method), gives students the toolkit to deconstruct any problem, no matter how complex it initially appears.
Building for KS3 and GCSE Success
Many students hit a “maths wall” in Key Stage 3 or 4 because their foundational understanding from Primary school is shaky. They memorised methods but never truly understood the underlying concepts.
By using the Singapore approach early on, we build unshakable foundations. When our students reach GCSE level, they possess the deep mathematical fluency required to tackle the highest-level papers with confidence. The investment in mastery during the early years pays huge dividends at GCSE.
A Name Earned
So, why Singapore Maths Academy? Because we are committed to excellence. Because we have trained with the masters of the craft. And because the data proves that by bringing the principles of Singaporean mathematics to the UK, we can offer your child the very best mathematical education available globally, right here at home.